Friction plug inserting apparatus



Sept. 1l, 1934. A. E. ALMGREN FRICTION PLUG INSERTING APPARATUS Filed April 16. 1952 9 Shee'r.s-'Shee'cI l M 4 M M A. E. ALMGREN FRICTION PLUG INSERTING APPARATUS Sept. 1l, 1934.

Filed April 1s. 1932 9 sheets-sheet 2 INVENTOR ATTG Y Sept. 11, 1934. A. E. ALMGREN 1,972,858

FRIcTIoN PLUG msERTING APPARATUS Filed April 16, 1932 9 sheets-sheet 5 INVENTOR Sept. 11, 1934. A. E. ALMGREN FRICTION PLUG INSERTING APPARATUS Filed April 16. 1932 9 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR TT@` EY Sept. 11, 1934. A. E. ALMGREN FRICTION PLUG INSERTING APPARATUS Filed April 1e, 1932 9 Sheets-Sheet 5 Sept. 11, 1934. A. E. ALMGREN FRICTION PLUG INSERTING APPARATUS Filed April 16, 1952 SSheets-Sheet 6 INVENTOR WWII Sept. 1l, 1934. A. E. ALMGREN FRICTION PLUG INSERTING APPARATUS Filed April 16. 1932.

9 Sheets-Sheet '7 lNvEN-roR g/d A, @7AM ATTO EY l l l l l lll Sept. 11, 1934. A. E, ALMGREN 1,972,858

- FRICTION PLUG INSERTING APPARATUS Filed April 16. 1932 9 Sheets-Sheet 8 INV ENTOR /d Sept. 1l, 1934. A. E. ALMGREN '1,972,858A

FRICTION PLUG INSERTING APPARATUS Filed April 1e. 1932 9 sheets-sheet 9 W f2 iff LWL

/77 YINVENTOR a/f Patented Sept. 11, 1934 FRICTION PLUG INSERTING APPARATUS August E. Almgen, Hillside, N. J., 'assignmto American Can Company, New York, N. Y., a corporation of New Jersey Application April 16, 1932, Serial No. 605,699 16 Claims. (C1. 113-14) The present invention relates to friction plug inserting machines and has particularreference to one wherein friction top cans provided with Fig. 3 is a plan section taken substantially along the broken line 3-3 in Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a similar plan section taken substanapertured top members are automatically passed \tially along the broken line 4-4 in Fig. 2;

5 through the machine while friction plug covers are separately and also automatically fed to the open top ends of the cans, a cover being automatically inserted in each can, all of the operations being performed in a continuous manner.

The principal object of the present invention is the provision of a friction plug inserting machine having automatic features for continuously receiving cans in untimed order, for advancing them in timed order, for feeding a friction plug to each can and inserting it within the can, and

for finally discharging the closed cans from the apparatus.

An important object of the invention is the provision of a marking device for a machine of this character wherein aY friction plug is only fed and marked when there is a can to receive it, this marking taking place immediately prior to the closing of the can by the insertion of the marked plug.

An important object of the invention is the provision of continuous can feeding devices which separate a single can from an incoming mass of cans and feed it in timed relation, and of instrumentalities which separate and intermittent- O ly feed plug covers to the separated and timed cans, each plug cover passing first through a marking mechanism then into assembling relation with its associated can and within continuously operating inserting devices which close the can by the insertion of the marked plug.

A further important object of the invention is the provision of adjusting means in a machine of the character described wherein cans of different height may be closed by inserted friction plug covers and by means of a simple adjustment of the working parts of the cover feeding and inserting devices.

Numerous other objects of the invention will be apparent as it is better understood from the following description, which, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, discloses a preferred embodiment thereof.

Referring to the drawings:

Figure 1 is a front elevation of an apparatus embodying the present invention, parts being broken away; V

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal section through the machine looking in the same direction, this section being indicated by the broken line 2-2 in Fig. 3;

' Fig. 5 is a transverse sectional view on an enlarged scale of one of the inserting heads, this view being taken substantially along the line 5-5 in Fig. 6;

Fig. 6 is a plan sectional view taken substantialiyalong the broken une 6 6 in Fig. 5; 5

Fig. 'l is an enlarged transverse sectional view taken substantially along the line 7-7 in Fig. 3;

Fig. 8 is a plan sectional view taken substantially along the broken line 8-8 in Fig. '7;

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary detail in plan of a part of the friction plug feeding devices illustrated in Fig. 8, parts being broken back;

Fig. 10 is a view similar to Fig. 7 illustrating some of the moving parts in a different position;

Fig. 11 is an enlarged sectional detail taken substantially along the line 11-11 in Fig. 8;

Fig. 12 is a sectional plan View taken substantially along the broken line 12--12 in Fig. 1l;

Fig. 13 is a fragmentary front elevation of the parts illustrated in Fig. 12; 80

Fig. 14 is a sectional plan View taken substantially along the broken line 14T-14 in Fig. 11;

Fig. 15 is a view similar to Fig. 14, taken substantially along the line 15--15 in Fig. 13;

Fig. 16 is a sectional plan view taken substantially along the line 16-16 ir Fig. 13;

Fig. 17 is a transverse sectional View taken substantially along the line 1'7-17 in Fig. 3;

Fig. 18 is a transverse sectional view taken substantiauy along the une 18-18 in Fig. 1o; 9

Fig. 19 is a perspective view of the plug cover separating device;

Fig. 20 is a transverse sectional detail taken substantially along the line 20-20 in Fig. 12;

Fig. 21 -is a view similar to Fig. 15 illustrating the parts in a different position; and

Fig. 22 is a sectional detail taken substantially along the line 22-22 in Fig. 8.

The friction plug inserting `apparatus of the resent inventioncomprises a stationary or main frame embodying a supporting column on which is adjustably secured an auxiliary frame. The main frame of the machine supports different feeding elements for open top cans, these cans being brought into the machine in processional order and then spaced and timed automatically with the other operations of the machine. After timing the cans are moved through a circular path of travel and are brought into the pocket of lll) a continuously rotating turret carried in the auxiliary frame.

Immediately following the timing of the can and just prior to the beginning of its circular movement it actuates a trip clutch device associated with a magazine carried upon the auxiliary frame. This magazine is adapted to hold a plurality of friction plug covers in stacked position and upon actuation of the trip device, the lowermost plug cover in the magazine is separated from the stack and brought into a reciprocating feeding device also mounted upon the auxiliary frame.

This feeding device advances the cover in a step by step movement, rst bringing it into position between marking dies which impress a suitable mark or legend upon the cover and then upon its next step movement, positions the marked cover into the pocket of the turret with the can. Both can and cover now in alignment in the turret pocket are carried around in a circular path of travel.

Inserting heads are also carried upon the turret and the auxiliary frame, a head being positioned in axial alignment above each turret pocket and while still moving, the inserting head above the aligned can and cover inserts the plug within the open mouth of the can. The turret brings the can with its inserted cover to a dischargestation where a continuous rotating starwheel removes it from the pocket and positions it onto a discharge chain which carries it out of the machine.

By means of such an association of operating parts, untimed' cans are continuously fed into the machine, covers are intermittently released from a source of supply in a magazine, are marked and are then brought into alignment with each can. The covers are inserted into the lcans and the closed cans are discharged from the machine all automatically and in a smooth continuous manner The stationary frame referred to comprises a base 51 (Figs. l and 2) which supports a bottom frame 52 upon which a column 53 is mounted. The column 53 is surmounted by a gear housing 54 and provides a support for an auxiliary frame 55.

Open-ended cans 61 (see also Figs. 3 and 17) are introduced into the apparatus by conveyor chains 62. These chains extend from a position outside of the apparatus but at their inner or4 machine ends they operate over a pair of sprockets 63, keyed to a horizontal shaft 64 journaled in bearings 65 formed in a gear housing 66 and in a bearing 67 formed inthe upper end of a hollow post 68 bolted to and carried by the bot.- tom frame 52. The post 68 is formed with a shelf 69 which supports the gear housing 66.

'Ihe chains 62 are. continuously moved by rotation of the sprockets 63, the shaft 64 which carries the sprockets being driven in thefollowing manner. The shaft 64 carriesl a bevel gear 71 which meshes with a similar gear 72 keyed to the upper end of a vertical shaft 73 which extends through the post 68 and is journaled in bearings 74 formed in the post. The lower end of the shaft 73 carries a spur gear 75 which meshes with a gear 76 (see also Figs. 1, 2 and 4) mounted on the lower end of a stub shaft 77 journaled in bearings 78 formed in the frame 52.

Gear 76 meshes with a pinion 81 mounted upon the lower end of a vertical shaft 82 journaled in a bearing 83 formed in the frame 52 and in other bearings hereinafter described. Shaft 82 also carries a gear 84 which meshes with a pinion 85 keyed to the lower end of a vertically extending shaft 86, the latter extending vertically through the column 53. Shaft 86 is journaled in a bearing 91 formed in the frame 52, in a bearing 92 formed in the lower end of the column 53 and in a bearing 93 formed in the gear housing 54. This shaft at its upper end carries a bevel gear 94 which meshes with a similar gear 95 formed on the inner end of a drive shaft 96 journaled in a bearing 97 formed in the gear housing. The shaft 96 is continuously rotated in any suitable manner asby application of 98 keyed upon the shaft. A gear cover 99 bolted to the gear housing encloses the gears 94, 95.

The cans 61 (Fig. 3) being conveyed into Athe machine by the conveyor chains 62, are guided in a straight line of travel between spaced guide bars 101 mounted upon a can feed table 102 secured to and supported upon the upper end of the post 68. One of the bars 101 terminates adjacent the end of a can timing and advancing screw mounted on the table. The other guide bar abuts against one end of a bracket 103 which is adjustably mounted upon the table 102. This bracket supports a guide wall 104 which forms an extension for the guide bar 101 on that side of the table. A slotted connection .105, for the bracket 103, allows for the proper adjustment of the wall 104 so that the cans 61 may be properly guided against the timing screw.

The timing screw comprises an elongated tapered screw body or sleeve 111 which slowly rotates and which is formed on its exterior wall with a spiral thread 112. I'his thread projects into the path of travel of the cans as they are moved over the table 102 by the conveyor chains and as the sleeve turns, parts of its thread propower to a belt pulley gressively move into position between the cans and separates them, at the same time accelerating and bringing the cans into proper timing relation with other operations of the machine. This synchronism of can travel is maintained throughout their passage through the machine.

'I'he sleeve 111 is mounted upon a horizontal shaft 113, which is journaled in bearings 114 formed in the housing 66. The shaft 113 with its screw is continuously rotated by a gear train including a gear 115 (Fig. 3) keyed to the shaft. The gear 115 meshes with a similar gear 116 carried on a stub shaft 117 journaled in the gear housing 66. The shaft 117 carries a spiral gear 118 (see also Fig. 17) which meshes with a similar gear 119 keyed to the shaft 64. The different spacing of adjacent spiral sections of the timing screw results in the thread 112 first engaging between two abutting cans 61 irrespective of their exact positions and under the influence of the constantly accelerated thread travel, the cans are boosted ahead of the chains.

It is during this travel of the can with the timing screw that it passes against a forward section 125 of the guide wal1f104. This section of the wall is closely associated with a no-can-no-end tripping device for feeding 'a friction cover plug and the can as it passes beyond the end of section 125, impinges against a hooked end 126 of a trip lever 127 pivoted at 128 to the guide wall. This sets the plug cover separating devices into operation so that a cover will be marked and presented to the can for insertion.

The can 61 passing the end of the conveyor chains 62 is engaged by one arm of a starwheel 129 continuously rotating in a horizontal plane above the table -102. This starwheel carries the can in the wall y to one of four arms a circular path of travel between an outer guide wall 131 and an inner guide wall 132. The wall 131 is part of a guide rail frame 133 secured by a screw 134 to the inner end of the table 102 and 135 projecting outwardly from post 136 (Figs. 1' and 2) bolted to the frame 52 adjacent the post 68. The starwheel 129 is keyed to the upper end of the shaft 73 and carries the can from the end of the conveyor chains 62 into the pocket of a rotating turret associated with the friction plug cover inserting devices.

The auxiliary frame 55 (Figs. 1 and 2) supports the friction plug cover inserting devices, the magazine for holding the plug covers in stack formation, the necessary feeding instrumentalities for separating a cover from the magazine and forV advancing it through the marking station and also the marking dies and associated parts. This auxiliary frame in turn is adjustably supported upon the column 53, a tubular casing 158 being provided for such engagement.

The casing 158 is split longitudinally along a vertical line as at 159 and adjacent walls of the slot are adapted to be pulled closely together by threaded bolts 161 which extend across the slot and pass through lprojecting lugs or ears 162 (see also Fig. 3) formed in the casing 158. Two bolts are used to clamp the auxiliary frame on the column, there being two lugs for each bolt. Each bolt is fixed in one of the lugs and extends loosely through the companion lug. Clamping levers 163 are threadedly engaged on the ends of the bolts outside of the loosely fitting lugs and are provided with operating handle sections 164. Turning of the handle levers on their associated bolts pulls the slot walls of the casing 158 into tight clamping position on the column.Y

The friction plug covers for the cans (Figs. 1, 3, 7 and 8) are held in stacked formation within a cover magazine. This magazine, the feeding instrumentalities which convey the friction plug cover, as well as the marking dies and associated parts are carried upon a` magazine frame 166. 'I'his frame is formed with a vertical wall 167 which is secured by bolts 168 to a pad 169 formed in one side of the casing 158.

The plug covers, designated by. the numeral 171, are held in stacked position in the magazine with the lower part of the stack resting within an aperture 172 formed in a cover plate 173. Spaced bars 174 surrounding the aperture are mounted upon the plate and these provide the necessary support for the upper portion of the cover stack. The plate 173, at its inner edge, is slipped under a shoulder 175 (Figs. 9 and 18) formed on the wall 169 and is secured by bolts 176 to the magazine frame 166. l

The frame 166 is formed with a longitudinal groove 177, cut in its upper surface (see also Fig. 22) and within the groove a feed slide 178 operates. Slide 178 is formed with side projections 179 extending laterally adjacent its bottom and these are engaged and the slide is retained in working position by a pair of spaced guide T-rails 181 secured by bolts 182 to the frame 166. The slide.173 carries a pair of spaced and pivoted feed dogs 183 located in grooves formed in the upper surface of the slide. Each dog is normally held by a spring 184 with its front end in raised and feeding position (Fig. 7).

The slide 178 moves back and forth within its groove 177 as long as the machine is operating and for this purpose carries a pivot pin 185 (Figs. 7 and 10) passing through and holding a block the top of a hollow 186. This pivot pin is engaged by an end 187 of a connecting rod 188, a locknut 189 threadedly engaged on the lower end of the pin holding the rod in working position. The opposite end of connecting rod 188 is pivoted at 189 to a crank arm 191 secured by a bolt 192 to the upper end of the shaft 82. This shaft is journaled in the bearing 83 of the frame 52, as previously described, and is also journaled in a bearing 193 formed in a web 194 of the frame 166. A third bearing 195 lis usedfor holding the shaft, being formed in a cam housing 196 bolted to the web 194.

'I'he forward and backward movement of the slide 178 is without effect until the trip lever 127 is actuated by a can and during such idle movement the slide and its rear feed dog 183 pass beneath and clear of the covers 171 in the. magazine. When the trip lever is moved, a series of other movements take place leading to the placing of a can cover into the action of the feeding slide. This will now be considered.

The trip lever 127 (Fig. 3) is formed with an arm 201 which is engaged, through a universal joint 202, with a connecting bar 203 adjustably secured in a slotted block 204 (see also Figs. 8, 11, 12 and 13) pivoted at 205 to an arm 206 connected with a sleeve 207 mounted for oscillation upon a vert-ical shaft 208. The shaft 208 is supported within bearings 209 carried by a bracket 211 which is formed with a iiat tongue and groove pad 212 (Fig. 8) which engages and is held by a similarly formed extension 213 of a boss 214 connected by a web 215 to the magazine frame 166.

The sleeve 207 (Figs. 11, 13 and 14) also carries an arm 221 which constitutes a latch holding element for a clutch device. vMovement of this latch arm by tripping of the lever 127 permits engagement of such a clutch device to connect up with a constantly moving part of the machine.

When the parts are in unclutched position (Figs. 11 and 14) the latch arm 221 is directly beneath a button 222 which is carried in an extension 223 of a pivoted yoke 224 which loosely surrounds a Vertical shaft 225, this shaft being mounted for oscillation within the boss 214. The pivotal mounting of the yoke 224 comprises trunnions 231 mounted in bearings 232 formed in a collar 233 keyed to the lower end of the shaft 225.

This collar is provided with aloop extension 234.

Fg. l2) which surrounds the end 223 of the yoke The yoke 224 is also provided with an extension 235 and when the parts are in unclutchedfiosition, this extension lays at a slight angle to the horizontal. It rests against the upper'left-hand edge of the collar 233 (Fig. 11) being held there by the button 222 and the arm 221. A spring 236 is located within a vertical bore 237 formed in the collar 233, its upper end pressing against the under side of the yoke extension 235.

As the sleeve 207 shifts its position (counterclockwise Fig. 14) the arm 221 moves out from under the button 222 and comes into the position shown in Fig. 15. The spring 236 immediately lifts the projecting end 235 of the yoke rocking it on its trunnions 231. This places the parts into clutching position, the end .235 moving into the path of travel of a reciprocating member.

A finger 238 is formed on the sleeve 207 and is located directly beneath the arm 221. During the normal rest period of the sleeve this finger lays against the bracket 211 (Fig. 14) When the sleeve. is shifted by the trip lever as just described, the nger takes the position shown in Fig. 15.

The reciprocating member comprises an arm 245 (Figs. 7, 11, 12, 13 and 20) which is formed with a tubular section 246 loosely mounted on the shaft 225 beneath the boss 214 and directly above the yoke 224 and collar, 233.

Theouter end of the arni 245 carries a pivot pin 247 (Figs. 7, and 11) which provides pivotal connection for an arm 248 projecting outwardly from an eccentric strap 249 which encircles an eccentric 251 mounted on a sleeve portion 252 of the arm 191. Y As the shaft 82, which carries the arm 191, rotates the eccentric 251 pulls back and forth through its arm 248 against the arm 245 and causes the latter to oscillate on its shaft 225.

This oscillation continues as long as the machine is operating. Owing to the loose mounting of the arm 245 upon its shaft,` the former does not move the shaft or the-parts connected therewith until the clutch connection is formed.

This arm 245 carries a projection 255 (Fig. 20) formed on its lower surface and when the yoke 224 rocks to place its end 235 in raised position, this A projection 255 of the arm 245 strikes against'and carries the yoke around with it in a counterclockwise direction of travel (Fig. 21).' 'I'his also moves the collar 233 and the shaft 225 in the same direction and the parts assume the position shown in Fig. 21 at the end of this movement.

'I'he result of this oscillation of -the shaft is a separation of a single cover 171 from the stack .within the magazine, the separated cover being positioned within the path of travel of the rear feed dog 183 of the cover feeding instrumentalities. Such separation of the cover is effected by a separating frame 265, illustrated in detail in Fig. 19. 'Ihis frame comprises a pair of spaced bars 266 (see also Fig. 22) which operate within the groove 177 formed in the magazine frame 166, the bars being spaced on opposite sides of theslide 178. The uppermost inner corner of each bar is notched at 267 and is engaged by the bars 181 in a sliding connection. The bars 266 at their rear ends are bolted at 268 to a crosshead 269. y

This frame 265 normally rests beneath the stack of covers within the magazine and when so positioned the entire stack rests upon a-pair of plates 271 carriedv by spaced bars 272. 'I'hese bars are secured to the crosshead 269, at their rear ends, in a T-slot connection 273 (see Figs. 7 and 10). 'I'he barsA 272 also rest upon and have sliding movement over the upper surface of the magazine frame 166 and are spaced apart a distance slightly greater than the diameter of the covers. 'I'heir inner walls thus actas side guides for the cover.

'I'he separator frame 265 is pulled backward to effect the cutting out or separation of the lowermost cover within the magazine. This backward travel takes place when the clutch parts 235, 255 are in clutched position and when the shaft 225 oscillates. For this purpose the crosshead 269 carries a bolt 281 (see also Figs. 1 and 8) which provides a pivot conection for a link 282 pivotally connected at 283 to the forward end of an arm 284 keyed to the shaft 225.

As the magazine frame moves back the plates 271 move out from under the stackof covers in the magazine but at the same time wedges 285 move into alignment with the stack of covers. These wedges are secured to the inner walls of the bars 27`2 and are so shaped as to enter between the flanges of the lowermost cover and the cover directly above.

The wedges thus pick up the weight of the covers within the magazine and holds all of them in elevated position with the exception of the lowermost4 cover. the same time the lowermost cover drops off of the forwardends of the hooked end 126 into the path of travel'of the next can. To effect this return shifting of the sleeve 207 the collar 233 (Figs. 13, 16 and 21) is formed with an arm 286 which carries a screw 287 threadedly engaged in the end of the arm. 'I'his end is split at 288 and a lock bolt 289 passes through the split sections of the end and clamps the screw in adjusted position.

'I'he end of this screw strikes against'the finger 238 when the collar 233 and associated parts approach the end of the half oscillation and move the finger back against its stop-in the bracket 211 (Figs. 16 and 21) On the next forward movement of the feed slide 178, the magazine separating 'frame 265 returns to its normal position, being moved indirectly by the arm'245. For this purpose the tubular section 246 of the arm joins with a downwardly projecting extension 291 (Figs 12, 13 and 14) which is enlarged at its lower end as'a boss 292 split at 293. A screw 294 is threadedly engaged in the boss 292 and a lock bolt 295, passes through the split sections and clamps the screw in its adjusted position. tive position of the the beginning of slide 178.

In such position a finger 301 projecting outwardly from the bottom of the collar 233, is in the path of travel of the screwi294. .As the slide moves forward together with the arms 245, 291, the screw 294 is carried in a clockwise direction and the resulting engagement with the nger 301 effects a corresponding movement of the collar 233 and the shaft 225. At the 4end -of the stroke, this being the last half of the oscillation of the the forward stroke of the arm 245, the parts again assume the position illustrated in Fig. 15.

Fig. 21 shows the rela parts under consideration at' lll the extension 223, 233 carries the button 222 over a chamfered surface 300 formed in the arm 221, this button riding up to the top surface of the arm accompanied by a rocking of the parts out of engagement, the yoke end 235 dropping out of the path of travel of the arm 245 and its projection 255, (see Fig. 20).

During this return oscillation of the shaft 225 the arm 284 (Fig. 8) moves forward and the magazine frame- 265 is again restored to its normal position, the wedges 285 move out from under the stack of covers-171, and the plates 271 move into position directly beneath. Ip this way the weight of the stack is shifted from Athe wedges to the plates, the stack being thus supporteduntil subsequent movement `of the magazine frame for further separation 0f the covers. Y l

While the magazine frame 265-is moving back into position under the throw of the eccentric 251, the slide 178 is moving a greater distance under the throw of its crank arm 191. For the rst part of this travel the separated cover 171, carried by the advancing rear feed dog 183, is contained between the walls of the bars 272 which hold it in a straight line of travel while ,still within the magazine frame.

this movement. of the collar This increased speed of movement of the cover over the moving maga.- zine frame carries it beyond the ends of the bars 272 and out of the frame. Beyond this position the cover, still being propelled by the feed dog 183, passes between a pair of spaced guide rails 302 (Figs. 7 and 8) secured by bolts to the frame At the end of this travel the separated cover is in position at the marking station and as it reaches this position it passes under and beyond a dog 303 (see also Fig. 9). The dog 303 is pivoted at 304 to lugs 305 projecting outwardly from the plate 173. The end of the dog drops down behind the flange of the cover and prevents backward movement of the cover when the slide 178 and the feed dog 183 start on their return stroke.

The cover also comes into and passes beneath the forward ends v306 of a pair of spaced dogs 307 also pivoted at 304 to the lugs 305. The end 306 of each dog is shaped like an inverted L in cross section and the cover comes under the two horizontal legs and between the two vertical legs so that it is held down on the slide 178 and also held against lateral shifting.

Each dog 307 (Figs. 7 and 9) is formed with an upwardly extending finger 309 which engages a spring barrel 311 having sliding movement within a horizontal bore 312 formed in the plate 173. Each spring barrel is backed up by a spring 313 located within the bore and these springs hold the forward ends of the dogs 307 yieldingly against the cover while it remains at the marking station.

The parts of the marking device are carried upon an extension of the frame 166 (Figs. 1 and 18). This frame at this position extends laterally as a U-shape section with a pair of spaced vertical walls 315 tied together by a web 316. A supporting housing is mounted upon the frame which comprises vertically spaced walls 318 (see also Figs. S and 10) and horizontal walls 319, 320 which enclose a chamber 321 for a removable marking die unit. The housing walls 318 are formed with laterally extending lugs 322 which rest upon the upper surface of the frame 166, screws 323 holding the housing in permanent position.

The horizontal wall 319 is integral with an upwardly extending web 331 which terminates in a boss 332 partially split at 333. A vertical opening 334 extends through the boss and a plug 335 is threadedly engaged within the opening. A locking bolt 336 joins the side walls of the boss 332 adjacent the slot 333 and when drawn into tight position clamps the threaded plug 335 in adjusted position. This plug is used as a backing anvil for the marking operation.

The wall 320 is formed as an integral part of a downwardly extending web 341 (Figs. 1 and 18) which is enlarged at its lowerextremity into a boss 342. This boss is centrally apertured to provide a pocket 343 and the lower end of one element of a toggle device is located in the pocket. This toggle element comprises a link 345 and a pin 346, passing through the boss and the link, holds the latter in its pocket. A second link 347 connects with link 345, a pin 348 pivotally holding the toggle elements together. This toggle device raises and lowers a block 349 which has sliding movement within a vertical bore 351 formed in the wall 320. The upper end of the link 347 is held within a pocket 352 formed in the block 349, the pivotal connection being made by a pin 353 secured in the block. The block 349 is adapted to engage and raise the lower marking die when the removable marking unit is in inserted position.

The pin 348 is connected to the bifurcated end of a link 355 connecting at its opposite end to the upper end of an arm 356, this second connection being made by a pivot pin 357. The arm 356 is an integral part of a sleeve 358 (Fig. 7) which is supported upon a stationary shaft 359 held in bearings 361 formed in lugs 362 projecting downwardly from the frame 166. The sleeve 358 also carries an arm 365 on which is mounted a pin 366 which carries a cam roller 367. This roller operates in a cam groove 368 formed in a barrel cam- 369 keyed to the shaft 82 and located inside the housing 196.' 4

The removable die unit used in the marking device is self-contained, being assembled in a 1-shape frame 375 (Figs. 7, 10 and 18). The lateral sides of the lower leg of lthe frame are extended as projections 376 which slide into oppositely disposed vgrooves 377 cut horizontally in the inside surfaces of each of the walls 318. This frame 375 is inserted into the pocket 321 formed in the housing, the parts 376, 377 cooperating in a sliding fit to guide the frame unit horizontally into the position illustrated in Fig. 18. In fully inserted position the forward edge of the lower arm (designated by the numeral 378) of the frame 375 strikes against and is stopped by a web 379 projecting outwardly from the frame wall 167.

The upper arm of the frame 375, designated by the numeral 385, is cut through vertically to provide an opening 386 which is in vertical alignment with the block anvil 335 when the parts are in inserted position. In like manner the lower arm 378 is provided with a vertical bore 387 which is also in vertical alignment with the anvil and the opening 386..

The marking unit is held in this inserted position by a pin 391 which extends upwardly through a Vertical bore 392 formed in the web 331. The upper end of the pin above the web carries a knob 393. A spring 394 encircles the pin 391 and rests against a shoulder formed in the pin near its bottom end. This spring is held in position within the bore by a threaded sleeve 395, positioned in the upper end of the bore and threadedly engaged with the web. During insertion of the marking unit the lower end of the pin 391 is drawn up within the bore 392 by a lifting of the knob 393. When the unit reaches its fully inserted position the knob is released and the pin falls into locking position its lower end engaging within a depression 396 formed in the upper face of the arm 385.

Cooperating male and female stamping dies are used in the marking unit. A stationary upper marking die 401 is held within the bore 386 by a plate 402 clamped against the end of the arm 385 by bolts 403. This die is provided with suitable marking die inserts 404 removably positioned within slots 405 cut transversely through the lower end of the die 401.

A movable lower marking die 411 is located within the opening 387 of the lower arm 378 being held in place by a plate 410. This die carries suitable die inserts 412 removably positioned in slots 413 cut transversely through the upper end of the lower die. The lower die 411 is secured to the upper end of the block 349, a connection being effected during the-placing of the unit frame 375 into its inserted position within the chamber 321. For this purposethe lower end of the die member 411 is formed with a tongue 415 (Figs. 7 and 10) which extends below the arm 378, during insertion and moves into a groove 416 formed in the upper end of the block 349, which at that time is in raised position above the wall 320.

Raising of the block 349 by operation of its toggle produces a corresponding movement of the die member 411 and the die inserts 412 are brought into engagement with the plug cover and then both cover and die parts move upwardly until stopped by the upper die inserts 404. These die inserts 404 are backed up and held in stationary position by the upper die 401 and the anvil block 335. The spring-held fingers 307 move on their pivotal mounts (Fig. 7) asthe cover raises, the finger ends 306 still engaging the cover flange. The desired legend or mark is in this way impressed in the plug cover.

When the marking dies separate the marked cover is lower and again deposited between the rails 302 by the fingers 307. This cover is now directly in front of the forward feed dog 183, the slide 178 being in its rear position (Figs. 7 and 8). Upon the next forward movement of the slide the forward feed dog engages the cover and moves it toward the left and into the pocket of the rotating turret which has just received the open-ended can 61.

In this passage from the marking station into the turret, the cover passes beyond the end of the frame 1'66 (Figs. 7 and 8) and is then supported by its flange which passes into and between a pair of spaced vertical walls 425 formed A as the sides of a rectangular box 426 secured at 427 to the frame 166. ILedges 428 project inwardly from the base of the walls 425 and suspend the cover by its flange until it reaches the turret pocket when it falls olf of the ledges and onto the open top can.

The rotating turret referred to comprises a turret spider 431 (Figs..2, 7 and 8) formed with upper and lower sections 432, 433, the lower section 433 being formed with spaced can receiving pockets 434 and the upper section similarly provided with pockets 435 (see also Fig. 8). Each pocket 435 is of two diameters, this construction providing a shoulder 436 under which the marked can cover moves when positioned on the can 6l in the can pockets 434, 435.

'I'he turret spider 431 is loosely mounted upon a stationary shaft 441 which hangs ,down and extends vertically through the center of a rotary inserting head. 'I'hisshaft is confined within a vertically disposed sleeve 442 (see Figs. 2 and 6) which is held in a bearing 443 formed in the auxiliary frame 55. The sleeve 442 extends above the bearing 443 and is threaded for the reception of clamping nuts 444 which are located on its upper end and which hold the sleeve in adjusted position. 'I'he shaft 441 is held in place within the sleeve by a washer 445 resting upon its upper end and bolted to its top by a cap screw 446. f.

The cans 61, while in the turret, rest upon a rotating disc 451 secured to a spacer bushing 452 surrounding the lower ends of the shaft 441. Sleeve 452 extends above the upper surface of the disc 451 and engages the lower surface of the hub of the turret spider 431. This spider is pinned to the bushing 452 and spider and bushing are rotated from below.

The bushing 452 rests within the upper hollow end of a vertically extending shaft 453, this shaft at its top being flanged outwardly at 454 to provide the desired support. Shaft 453 is rotatably mounted within the post 136 and is journaled in bearings 455, 456 formed in the post. The lower end of the shaft carries a gear 458 f Figs. 2 and 4) which meshes with and is rotated by the gear on the shaft 73. In this way the turret is continually rotated.

Referring now to Fig. 3 it will be observed that a can 61 While being advanced by the starwheel 129 toward the turret pocket leaves the surface of theI table 102 and moves upon the rotating disc 451 and sliding over its surface moves lnwardly into one of the turret pockets. Without any pause in its travel this can in its turret pocket crosses the line of travel of the marked can cover propelled toward the turret by the feed slide 178,

just at the time the cover leaves the end of the box 426. 'I'he walls of the pockets 434, 435 assist in holding the assembled can and cover to its turret as the inserting operation takes place.

'I'he assembled can and cover in each turret pocket are directly beneath an inserting plunger carried in the inserting head which is mounted upon the turret spider 431. This inserting head is best illustrated in Figs. 1, 2 and 7 and comprises a head frame 461 formed with four spaced tubular shells 462 there being a shell for each pocket. The head frame is provided with a central hub 463 which surrounds the sleeve 442. 'Ihis head frame moves in unison with the turret, the lower end of frame resting upon a flange 464 of a collar 465 which surrounds the shaft 441. The frame is connected to this collar in any suitable manner and the collar in turn is connected with the hub. of the turret spider so that all of these parts rotate as a unit.

The inserting plunger referred to comprises an inserting chuck 475 (see also Figs. 5 and 7) for each turret pocket, each chuck being mounted on the lower end of a rod 476 which extends vertically through a hollow shaft 477 slideably mounted within bearings 478 formed in its associated shell 462. These chucks are constructed and operated to depress the plug covers within the boundary of the can body rims and into and below the level of the apertured can tops. Each rod 476 extends above the end of its shaft and is threadedly engaged by a clamping nut 479 which locks the chuck rod and shaft together as a unit.

The shaft 477 and the chuck 475 move up and down within the bearings 478, these parts being in raised position during the positioning of the can within the turret pocket and also during the assembling of the can and cover. For the insertion operation, the shaft and chuck move downwardly, the latter engaging the marked cover and forcing it into closing position within the can, this action taking place as can and cover are being conveyed around with the rotating turret and the inserting head.

Raising and lowering of the shaft 477 is cam controlled. 'I'he upper end of each shaft 477 supports a laterally extending pin 485 (Figs. 2, 5 and 6), the rod 476 passing through this pin. The upper end of each shaft 477 is also flared outwardly to provide fingers 486 which move around and adjacent the periphery of a stationary cam 487 mounted above the inserted head frame.

'I'hese lingers prevent rotation of the shaft 477 and hold a cam roller 488, which is rotatably mounted on the inner end of the pin 485, in position within a cam groove 489 cut in the periphery of the cam. Ihis cam 487 surrounds the stationary sleeve 442 and is positioned just beneath the bearing 443.

As illustrated in Fig. 2, the cam 487 extends iso partly within the auxiliary framel 55. Where the cam-extends beyond the frame it is protected by a cover member 491 (see also Fig. 1) which is secured to the frame and which also encloses the upper parts of the shafts 477 and rollers 488.

Provision is made for yieldingly inserting the frictionvplug cover to prevent jamming of the can should there be a misalignment of the parts or other adverse conditions which would affect the inserting operation. This'yielding movement is effected by a movable section 492 (Figs. 5 and 6) of the cam 487 which is located in a vertical slot 493 formed in the cam. Tongue and groove joints 494 formed in cam and cam section hold the latter against displacement.

The section 492 is formed with a cam grooveA part 495 which registers with the cam groove 489 under normal conditions. As the cam roller 488 approaches the position in the cam track 489 Where the chuck 475 is at its lowest position, the cam roller leaves the cam groove 489 and passes into the groove 495. The upper end of the cam section 492 is yieldingly held by a spring 496 which is located within a vertical bore 497 formed in the bearing 443. A disc 498 rests upon the upper end of the spring and is engaged by an adjusting bolt 499 threadedly secured within a block 501 mounted upon the upper surface of the bearing.

In its normal or lowermost position the cam section 492 rests against the revolving head frame 461. In the event, however, of misalignment or other adverse conditions of can or cover which interfere with the lowering of the chuck 475, the spring 496 yields and allows a raising of the cam section 492, this movement taking place when the lifting force of the cam roller 488 becomes great enough to overcome the adjusted holding action of the spring 496. This yielding movement is relatively very small and by the time the cam roller 488 has passed along the track segment 495, it will easily reengage the cam groove 489 even though grooves 489, 495 are not in exact register.

During this circular travel of the can and cover carried within its turret pocket, a circular guide 505 (Figs. 1 and 3) is used to prevent displacement. This guide is secured at 506 to the arms 135 of the post 136. The guide terminates in alignment with the position reached by a turret pocket after its contained can and cover are completely united by the insertion of the cover.

The closed can, still resting upon the disc 451, is then carried against a circular rail 507 which is part of the guide rail system 139. This rail strips the can from its turret pocket and the can is immediately engaged by one arm of a star wheel 508 and moved off of the disc 451. The

' starwheel is mounted upon a vertical shaft 509 (Figs. 2 and 3) which extends vertically through a post 511 mounted upon the frame 52 adjacent the post 136.

This shaft is journaled in bearings 512 formed in the post 511 and at its lower end carries a gear 513 (see also Fig. 4) which meshes with and receives rotation from the gear 458. In this way the starwheel 508 is continually rotated in synchronism with the rotation of turret disc 451. The starwheel moving the can along the inside rail 507 slides it off of the upper surface of the rotating disc 451 and onto a discharge table 515 mounted upon the upper end of the post 511. The table 515 supports a guide arm 516 which encircles the shaft 509 and is held in an adjusted position by a bolt 517 extending through a slot 518 formed in the arm 516. 'I'his arm 516 is provided with a curved guide surface 519 which cooperates with the guide rail 507 to direct the cans into a discharge device.

The discharge device may be of any suitable construction, there being shown by way of illustration a pair of conveyor chains 521 which operate in grooves 522` formed in an auxiliary discharge table 523. 'Ihe guide rail 507 may be extended at 524 and a second guide rail 525, spaced parallel to the guide wall 524 and cooperating with the end of the wall 519, may be used to hold the cans in discharging position upon the chains 521. These rails 524, 525 may be mounted upon :the table 523 in any suitable manner.

It is thought that the invention and many of its attendant advantages will be understood from the foregoing description and it will be apparent that various changes may be 'made in the form, construction and arrangement of the parts without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention or sacrificing all of its material advantages, the form hereinbefore described being merely a preferred embodiment thereof.

1 I claim:

1. In a friction plug inserting machine, the combination of feeding devices for advancing open top cans through the machine, a magazine for holding a plurality of friction plug covers in stack formation, said covers being shaped to enter within the open tops of the cans, feeding instrumentalities for intermittently advancing plug covers through a series of stations, means actuated by an advancing can for separating a single plug cover from the stack of covers within the magazine and for presenting it to said feeding instrumentalities, and means for marking said cover at one of said stations, and mechanism for depressing the covers below the tops of the cans.

2. In a friction plug inserting machine, the combination of feeding devices for advancing open top cans through the machine, a magazine for holding a plurality of friction plug covers in stack formation, said covers being shaped to enter within the open tops of the cans, feeding instrumentalities for intermittently advancing plug covers through a series of stations, means actuated by an advancing can for separating a single plug cover from the stack of covers within the magazine and for presenting it to said feeding instrumentalities, means for marking said cover at one of said stations, and means for engaging the body of the cover below the top of the same for positioning the marked cover on the advancing can at another station, the feeding instrumentalities being constructed to position the cover within the circumference of the can body so as to be clear of the rim thereof. v

3. In a friction plug inserting machine, the combination of feeding devices for advancing open top cans through the machine, a magazine for holding4 a plurality of friction plug covers in stack formation, said covers being shaped to enter within the open tops of the cans, feeding instrumentalities for intermittently advancing plug covers through a series of stations, means actuated by an advancing can for separating a single plug cover from the stack of covers within the magazine and for presenting it to said feeding instrumentalities, means for marking said cover at one of said stations, means for positioning the marked cover on the advancing canat another station, and inserting devices for forcing. said cover into the open end of said can, the feeding instrumentalities being constructed to position Athe cover yvithin the circumference of the can body so as to lieclearnf the rim thereof.

4. In a fc'tion plug inserting machine, the combination of @feeding devices for advancing open top cans through the machine, a magazine for holding a plurality of friction plug covers in stack formation, said covers being shaped to enter within the open tops of the cans, feeding instrumentalities for intermittently advancing plug covers through a series of stations, means actuated by anadvancing can for separating a single plug cover fromthe stack of covers within the magazine and for presenting it to said feeding instrumentalities, means for marking said cover at one of said stations, inserting devices for forcing said marked cover into the ope`n end of an advancing can, and adjustable spring means associated with said inserting devices for determining .the desired amount of pressure in the inserting operation, the feeding instrumentalities being constructed to position the cover within the circumference of the can body so as to be clear of the rim thereof.

5. In a friction plug inserting machine, the combination of a rotatable turret having pockets, inserting heads carried by said turret `and associated with said pockets, feeding devices for advancing open top cans into said turret pockets, a magazine for holding a plurality of friction plug covers in stack formation, said covers being shaped to enter within the open tops of the cans, feeding instrumentalities for intermittently advancing plug covers into said turret pockets,

meansv actuated by an advancing can for separating a single plug cover from the stack of covers within the magazine and for presenting it to said feeding instrumentalities, and actuating means for operating a said inserting head to insert a said plug cover within its associated can during rotation of said turret, the feeding instrumentalities being constructed to position the cover within the circumference of the can body so as to be clear of the rim thereof.

6. In a friction plug inserting machine, the combination of a rotatable turret having pockets, inserting heads carried fby said turret and associated with said pockets, feeding devices for advancing open top cans into said turret-pockets, amagazine for holding a plurality of 'friction plug covers in stack formation, said covers being shaped to enter Within the open tops of the cans,- feeding instrumentalities for intermittently advancing plug covers into said turret pockets, means actuated by an advancing can for separating a single plug cover from the stack of covers within the magazine and for presenting it to said feedingV instrumentalities, means for marking-said separated cover prior to reaching said turret pocket, and actuating means for operating a said inserting head to insert a said marked plug cover within its associated can during rotation of said turret, the feeding instrumentalities being constructed to position the cover within the circumference of the can body so as to be clear of the vrim thereof.

'7. A friction plug inserting machine, comprising in combination, a stationary frame, feeding devices carried by said frame for advancing open top cans through the machine, an auxiliary frame mounted on said stationary frame, amagazine carried by said auxiliary frame for holding a plurality of friction plug covers in stack formation, said covers being shaped to enter within the open tops of the cans, feeding instrumentalities associated with said magazine forA moving 1,972,858 a Y said covers through the machine. jajtiirret or-v ganization rotatably mounted on saidzauxiliary frame and having pockets adapted tofhceive cans and covers from their respective lfeeding devices, and means for adjusting the' vertical position of said auxiliary frame and parts carried thereby relative to said stationary frame to adapt the machine for operation upon cans of different heights, the feeding instrumentalities being constructed to position the cover within the circumference oi' the can body so as to be clear of the rim thereof.

8. A friction plug inserting machine, compris- -ing in combination, a stationary frame, feeding devices carried by said frame for advancing open top cans through the machine, an auxiliary frame mounted on said stationary frame, a magazine carried by said auxiliary frame for holding a plurality of friction plug covers in stack formation, saidcovers being shaped to enter Within the open tops of the cans, feeding instrumentalities asso-- ciated with said magazine for moving said covers through the machine, a turret organization rotatably mounted on said auxiliary frame and having pockets adapted to receive cans and covers from their respective feeding devices, inserting heads carried in said turret organization and positioned in axial alignment with said pockets, and means for operating said insertng heads to force a plug cover in its associated can while in said turret pocket, the feeding instrumentalities being constructed to position the cover within the circumference of the can body so as to be clear of the rim thereof.

9. A friction plug inserting machine, comprising in combination, a stationary frame, feeding devices carried by said frame for advancing open mounted on said stationary frame, a magazine carried by said auxiliary frame for holding a plurality of friction plug covers in stack formation, said covers being shaped to enter within the open tops of the cans, feeding instrumentalities associated with said magazine for moving said covers through the machine, a turret organization rotatably mounted on said auxiliary frame and having pockets adapted to receive cans and covers from their respective feeding devices, inserting heads carried in said turret organization and positioned in axial alignment with said pockets, means for operating said inserting heads to force a plug cover in its associated can while in said turret pocket, and means for raising and lowering said auxiliary frame and the parts appertaining to the feeding and inserting of plug covers carried thereby to adjust for the desired height of can as advanced and positioned by parts associated with said stationary frame, the feeding instrumentalities being constructed to position the cover within the circumference of the can body so as to be clear of the rim thereof. l 10. In a friction plug inserting machine, the combination ofl a' rotatable turret having pockets, feeding devices for feeding an open can and a friction plug cover into a said pocket during rotation of said turret, said cover being shaped to enter Within the open top of .the can, inserting heads rotated with said turret and embodying inserting chucks, a chuck being located in axial alignment with each pocket and above a can and cover resting in said pocket, a stationary cam mounted centrally of said turret and operating upon said chucks to lower them for the cover inserting operation,- a vertically movable cam section located in said cam and operating cover in its can, yielding means for normallyy rim thereof.

upon a said chuck when it is inserting. a plug cover in its can, and yielding means for normally holding said cam section in register with said cam, said feeding devices being constructed to position the cover within the4 circumference vof the can body so as to be clear of the rim `rotation of said turret, said cover being shaped to enter within the open top of the can, inserting heads rotated with said turret and embodying inserting chucks, a chuck being located in axial alignment with each pocket and above a can and cover resting in said pocket, a stationary' cam mounted centrally of said turret and operating upon said chucks to lower them for the eovei inserting operation, a vertically movable 'cam section located in said cam and operating upon a said chuck when it is inserting a plug holding said cam section in register with said cam, and adjusting means for determining the amount of yielding force in said cam section holding means, said feeding devices being constructed to position the coverl within the circumference of the can body so as to be clear of the rim thereof.

12. In a friction plug inserting machine, the combination of feeding devices for advancing open top cans through the machine, a magazine for holding a plurality of friction plug covers in stack formation,said covers being shaped to enter within the open tops of the cans, feeding instrumentalities for intermittently advancing plug covers through a series of stations, means actuated by an advancing can for separating a single plug cover from the stack ofcovers within the magazine and for presenting it to said feeding instrumentalities, removable means for marking said cover at one of said stations, and a locking device for holding said marking means in position for marking, the feeding instrumentalities beingconstructed to position the cover within the circumference of the can body so as tobe clear of the lf3. Ina friction plug inserting machine, the

combination of a rotatable turret having pockets,

inserting heads carried by, said turret and associated with said pockets, feeding devices for adl. v'ancing open top cans into said turret pockets, a

-magazine for holding-a plurality of friction plugv covers in stack formation, feeding instrumentali- -tie's for intermittently advancing plug covers into said turret pockets, means forv separating a single plug cover from the s'tacklof covers within the magazine andfor'presenting itto said feeding ,Y riorly -of and below instrumentalities, actuating means for operating a said inserting head to insert a saidplug cover within its associated can during rotation of said turret, and means for discharging theclosed can with its inserted cover from said turret pocket, said feeding instrumentalities which operate on the cover being constructed to position the cover within the circumference of the can body so as to be clear of the rim thereof.

14. In anautomatic friction plug-inserting machine for closing cans which are formed with apertured top members, in combination, feeding devices for advancing open top'cans to a closing station and a marker and through the machine, a magazine for holding a stack of friction plug covers adapted to fit said cans interiorly, feeding means for advancing said covers successively to said marker and to said closing station, a constantly reciprocating element, a trip operated by a can fed to the machine for conne ting said reciprocating element with said feeding means and for connecting said reciprocating element with said marker, and cover inserting chucks at said closing station, and means for depressing said chucks and forcing the covers within the toplrims of the cans and to a point below said tops.

15. In an automatic friction plug-inserting machine forclosing cans which are formedwith apertured top members, in combination, feeding ,magazine for holding a stack of friction plug covers adapted to flt said cans interiorly, feeding means for advancing said covers successively to said marker and to said closing station, a constantly reciprocating element, a trip operated by a can fed to the machine for connecting said reciprocating element with said feeding means' and for connecting said reciprocating element with said marker, and cover inserting chucks at said closing station, said chucks being shaped to depress said covers interiorly of and below said apertured can tops.

16. In an automatic friction plug-inserting machine for closing cans which are formed with apertured top members, in combination, feeding devices for advancing open top cans to `a closing station and through the machine, a magazine for holding a stack of friction plug covers adapted to fit said cans interiorly, a marker, feeding means marker 'and to said closing station, and'cover in-` serting chucks shaped to depress said covers intesaid apertured can tops at said closing station, and a vstationary cam for raising and depressing said chucks. v

AUGUST;` E. ALMGREN. I 

